After watching TrekUK's posting and evolution of his Madone 5, and my training bike developing a crack in the frame I needed a new frame. As I race in a Masters team supported by a LBS that is our states biggest Trek dealer, and being coached by its co-owner a Trek frame was a logical option, specially considering the "team discount"As I'm still busy with the rebuild of my custom Reynolds 653, and have a Parlee Z5, I chose the Madone 5.9 as it has a RRP of AUD $2699 vs $4799 for the 7 series. it is a good price, and frame is supposed to be sub 1kg, and the frame set comes with seat post, stem and the integrated brakes Trek uses on this frame.My plan is to build it up with a SRAM Red groupset that I took off my Parlee Z5 when i upgraded to 2012 SRAM Red, and Zipp 404 clinchers or Edge 1.38 Tubulars. I should be able to build this up at about 6500g, and definitely below 6.8kg.The frame should arrive next week. The 2014 frame is simple black and white.

I have also ordered Bontrager XXX Aero handlebars to keep with the theme of an "aero" road bike. The build list consists mainly of parts I already have. At a later date I might upgrade to DA9000, but the plan is to build a solid training and commuting bike and use it for crit races as well.

@TrekUK - thanks for the inspiration with your build. I am looking forward to seeing how this project pans out with components I currently have in my garage, but I am sure the urge to upgrade some parts will take over before long.

@Johnny Rad - timeshare, now I hadn't thought that far. The steel Reynolds bike will be used for a midweek recovery ride and some cruisy sunny day rides only.The Trek will be my workhorse used for commuting to work, group training rides and racing crits over the summer. The Parlee probably will still be my long training ride bike in the hills, used for road races over the winter, specially on courses with a few climbs, and longer events.

I can highly recommend the Ultegra Aero brakes for the Trek if a) you don't like the stock Bontrager and b) don't want to go Dura-ace. I just built a 2013 Trek Madone 6.5 bike up with Ultegra 6800. Got the brakes from the UK for $200 shipped to Aus. I can link you to some pics of my build (similar colour scheme) if you are interested.

Got heaps more photos of you want any specific areas. And before anyone asks the seat position was a direct copy (fit wise) from my previous bike when this shot was taken. I have since had a bike fit and it is further forward now

Just took a look at your photos. Nice bike, but WOW! That saddle position jumps out as being WAY too far back. Please post photos of the new saddle position, because that is SCARY!

Second, the Ultegra brakes are good, but I would go with the Bontrager brakes for two reasons: weight and aerodynamics. First, the Ultegra brakes are heavier than the comparable Bontrager brakes, which are in turn, heavier than Dura Ace. There really is no reason to run the Ultegra brakes on the new Madone frame. Second, even if lighter (like the DA brakes), the Bontrager brakes were designed for maximum aero effect. Heck, even though they are heavier than DA, I would still option them, personally, due to the aero advantage.

Jesus even posting a disclaimer ppl still have a whinge about my saddle. Its further forward now, my bike fitter/physio says its fine, its comfortable, the bike is the right size and i'm riding better then I ever had so ner . Anyway this is not my build thread so i'm not going to bombard it with posts and pictures of my setup.

I admit I've never used the stock Bontrager aero brakes but from the few I have spoken to that have all said they didn't like them that much. However if they come included with your frame then by all means run them and make up your own mind. However as mentioned already I recommend the Ultegra ones if you decide on that route.

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